leg cramps?

[somethings gotta give]

any idea if this might be from doing this diet. ( I have lost 40+ pounds in about 4 months) I tried searching the forum but found nothing, any suggestions would be appreciated.

[DarlingBri]

Re: leg cramps?

This is a known effect of high-protein foods, although you see it in people who simply lack potassium in their diets so it doesn't necessarily mean your food proportions are incorrect. Potassium supplements will help unless/until you can eat bananas, which is what runners do to curb this issue.

PS: Congrats on that weight loss, that's GREAT!

[Brook]

Re: leg cramps?

Yep. I'd try a high potency mineral supplement. A combination of potassium and magnesium will help.

[barrnone]

Re: leg cramps?

avocados are a great source of potassium

[somethings gotta give]

Re: leg cramps?

Thanks, I was going to go to webmd, but I thought they would just scare me with some weird disease, this has only started over the last few months and I have tried the multivitamins like One a day but it gives me diarhea. How much pottasium or magnesium do you think would be okay? Anybody know any food besides fruit which contain either of these, I hate pills

[barrnone]

Re: leg cramps?

take a look at this site
Potassium Rich Low Carb Foods

[DarlingBri]

Re: leg cramps?

avocados are a great source of potassium

There ya go!

[somethings gotta give]

Re: leg cramps?

Awesome!! Thank you

[Mickkey]

Re: leg cramps?

I was having leg cramps that would wake me from a sound sleep. An athlete told me if you're exercising, you need to do lots of stretching beforehand;slow and hold position stretches, not rapid bouncing stretches you see people do so often. That helped me tremendously. Also I replaced my salt with something called "No Salt." Its main ingredient is potassium. Spinach is also high in potassium. I learned to love it thankfully.

[soon2bslim]

Re: leg cramps?

I get leg cramps esp at night and the best thing that works for me is Tonic Water (the Quinine in it supposedly helps). I only drink a little bit - 2 or 3 sipfuls unless the cramp is really bad. Look for SUGAR FREE Tonic Water in any supermarket - it is not the same as seltzer or club soda, neither of whiich have the Quinine.

ALso some people may get cramps when they're dehydrated - so make sure that u r drinking more than enough water throughout the day so that your body will be well hydrated for 24hours.

Good Luck!

[somethings gotta give]

Re: leg cramps?

Thanks for all your responses, I took your advice about the lite salt and it seems to have taken care of the problem. I also noted my multivitam had absolutely no pottasium it it. Weird. I also went back and checked my nutrient levels on fitday and I was super low in vitamin D (I am now taking the multivitamin faithfully because it has the RDA of vitamin d. Thanks again

[spuffy]

Re: leg cramps?

Wow. Thanks to everyone for your helpful answers, I will try a few. I woke up this morning and yesterday from leg cramps (charlie horse) and fired up the computer and did a search and found this topic. So helpful! I think I'm not drinking enough water and also not enough potassium. I haven't had salmon in a few days also, too much red meat lately, that may also be the reason for low potassium. You guys are awesome!